Role Overview

The Debt Strategy & Policy Manager will report directly to the Senior Debt Policy & Strategy Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for:

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the development of MaPS policy positions on debt and debt advice, including contributing to Government and sector consultations and initiatives.
• Collaborating with internal and external policy leads to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, particularly around gambling-related financial harms.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with external policy makers such as DCMS and the Gambling Commission.
• Developing and managing workplans to advance MaPS strategic ambitions for debt advice.
• Sharing insights and market intelligence across the debt function to inform decision-making and service delivery.
• Scoping and managing research projects to strengthen MaPS evidence base.
• Building and maintaining subject matter expertise in designated policy areas through research, learning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Providing debt subject matter expertise across MaPS teams in a matrix working environment.
• Supporting other areas of the debt function as needed to ensure cohesive and responsive service delivery.

You will need to demonstrate

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• A broad and deep understanding of the debt advice sector in the UK or a similar sector.
• Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive approach with high levels of integrity and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage workflows, prioritise tasks, and perform well under pressure.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Capable of working autonomously and influencing others to meet deadlines and standards.
• Proven ability to manage a variety of business management tasks effectively.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to produce and deliver engaging, tailored content for diverse audiences.

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of current gambling policy and regulatory developments.
• Understanding of groups at higher risk of gambling-related harms.

About Us

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.

Our Values

• Caring
  We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform.
• Connecting
  We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections.
• Transforming
  We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.

Our Inclusive Working Environment

By fostering our values, we are immensely proud of the inclusive working environment that we have created. The diversity of our people is a strength that we embrace and wish to build upon, so we are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds. We work hard to ensure that we have a progressive approach to inclusion, equity, and belonging. We really do want our colleagues to “bring their whole selves to work.”

Our colleague and ally networks encompass LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health, ethnicity, and diversity.

What We Offer

• Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (up to 10% of your salary)
• Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance scheme
• Give as you earn scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
• Recognition Scheme
• Discounts portal to numerous retailers

Flexible Working

At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Career Development

In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which are that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.

Reserve List

If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.

Application Process

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Money and Pensions Service via email: recruitment@maps.org.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Job Reference: MaPS00970

Close Date: 28/09/25